Turn Your Boring Balcony Into a Thriving Garden (Beginner Guide) 

• Choosing plants without checking sun exposure

A balcony is a limited space, but you also need to consider its placement and the side of your building. Daylight will be there, but that doesn’t mean your plants will get enough sun exposure. You need to measure how much direct sunlight your balcony receives during the day. And if you live in a region where winter is harsh and days get shorter, you need to take that into account as well.

• Using decorative pots without drainage holes

I know you like those Pinterest-looking gardens with cute pots, but the needs of your plants should come first. Every container should be properly drained so excess water can flow out if you accidentally overwater. If water stays in the pot, the roots can start rotting. I personally add an extra layer of clay pebbles to the bottom of every pot, as water can be absorbed by them and slowly released later.

• Overwatering or not watering enough

It is essential to research the watering needs of your plants. It would be easy if all of them required the same amount of water at the same time. But in reality, depending on the plant type, some need frequent watering while others prefer the opposite.

• Starting with too many plants at once

I know you want a beautiful green garden right away, but having plants can be almost as time-consuming as having pets. Start small and work your way up. Learn what goes into gardening gradually and enjoy the process.

• Skipping regular inspection for pests

This is the least favorite part of gardening, but like it or not, pests will appear sooner or later. This is not your fault; it’s simply nature. Tiny larvae can live in the soil, and once conditions are right, they turn into insects. In nature, predators control these insects, but on a balcony, plants are on their own. So regular checks and simple treatments are necessary.

• Assuming balcony plants behave like outdoor ones

I grew up in a house with a beautiful outdoor garden, and I always dreamed of having my own. But I live in a city, so I set my mind on balcony gardening — and at first, I failed badly. It was nothing like the garden from my memories. Outdoor plants grow stronger in natural conditions and adapt to temperature changes and wind. Balcony conditions make plants more fragile, and that’s okay. It just means they need a bit more care, as they rely on you to grow.

• Kneeling pad: for comfort while planting, repotting, or maintaining plants 

• Plant labels: for identifying plants, tracking care needs, or noting planting dates 

• Vertical planters: for saving space and growing more plants in small balcony areas

1. Prepare the space for your work

It’s going to be dirty, so don’t do it in your living room. Prepare a separate space — preferably the balcony itself — and lay out all the things you’ll need. Everything should be within your reach, from tools to cleaning supplies.

2. Prepare your sitting space

This might sound obvious, but you have no idea how uncomfortable sitting on the floor for a long time can be. Planting might take hours. You need to figure out the most comfortable way to do this. Will you sit on the floor, use a chair and a table, or a mix of both?

3. Master the art of planting

This is the part where you’re going to watch tons of videos, tutorials, and step-by-step guides for the specific plants you’ve chosen. The truth is, there's no way you can read one article and understand everything. There will be a lot of early mistakes, but eventually you'll understand the basics and master this. In very short terms, you’ll need to put on gloves, place pebbles at the bottom of the pot, and add potting mix. Make sure you leave enough space for watering (don’t add soil to the edge of the pot). Then plant your seeds and carefully water them.

4. Clean up your space

Once planting is done, clean the area right away. Remove spilled soil, wipe surfaces, rinse tools, and put everything back in its place. This prevents mess from drying in hard-to-clean spots.

5. Establish a watering routine

Watering should be consistent, not random. Learn how often your plants need water and try to stick to a simple schedule. Always check the soil before watering, as overwatering is one of the most common beginner mistakes.

6. Monitor plants daily during the first two weeks

The first two weeks are critical. Check your plants every day for changes in leaves, soil moisture, and overall condition. Early signs of stress, pests, or improper watering are easier to fix when noticed right away.

I hope that after our blog, you feel prepared and ready to try this amazing hobby and create a small paradise on your balcony. I truly believe that this is one of the most rewarding and beneficial hobbies a person can have.
Whether you’re planning a big green setup or just planting one flower to see what happens, I’m sure you will love the process and the result.
We wish you good luck, and feel free to share pictures of your plants in the comments.